Undergraduate Analytical Chemist Review

I worked on 3 different projects in my time at Pfizer. Two of them were data science roles and the other one was HPLC based. Daily tasks would involve things such as data processing, communicating progress to project leaders, organising meetings where necessary, responding to relevant emails. Weekly check in meetings would occur with my manager and some projects also have their own meetings, e.g every six weeks to catch up with everyone involved in that team.

I've learnt how to use 4-5 new pieces of software, built on my communication skills and team work skills and also learnt more about project management. Working alongside the people leading the project teams has also shown me first hand the leadership and other skills required to be a leader in a scientific environment. There were also some undergraduate skills workshops provided through the HR team. These centred around tings such as networking and also mental health in the work place.

A fair amount of responsibility. I processed a lot of data on my own (once I had received relevant training), I placed data into a database for the data science projects and often was left to input data I had been given and to update the project leaders on how it was going. Additionally, (despite the fact I was unable to run the experiments in person) my manger worked with me to design the experiments we would run in the lab which allowed for my input as well as theirs.

At the start of my placement I was assigned to my manager and also given a mentor/buddy. I had weekly meetings with both and could reach out to them whenever I needed to. In addition to this I could always reach out to the undergraduate HR person. It was extremely easy to reach out for help with an issues I was having. In addition to this we also had a sessions with the mental health team which was especially useful when working from home.

COVID meant that the atmosphere and culture of the company were predominantly an online presence. Townhall meetings (whether it was inter department, the whole of the UK or the global company) were held online and allowed everyone to come together despite working from home. There were also less formal events such as Christmas quizzes, webex based escape rooms and also film nights. Pfizer also provide 5 days for volunteer work allowing for a wider engagement.

I have greatly enjoyed my placement at Pfizer. Despite the fact that I have been based at home tis year I still feel that I have gained a lot from my placement and it has still been an enjoyable experience. I have used lots of software that I wouldn't have used at university alone. Additionally, I have worked with three completely different but equally lovely project teams, they have all been very open and supportive which has made my placement delightful.

Yes

Through the interview and assessment centre enjoy the process and take opportunities to ask any questions that you may have. Have a look into the company before applying and read up on some of the interesting things that they do (this is one of the reasons I applied). For your first day try to relax there won't be a mountain of expectations on you so try to enjoy the connections you will make and take in your surroundings.